Trouble mounts for Puja Khedkar as UPSC files FIR against trainee IAS officer, seeks cancellation of candidature

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) said in a statement on Friday that it has filed an FIR against IAS probationer Puja Khedkar and also served a show cause notice for the cancellation of her candidature from the Civil Services Exam -2022 and to debar her from the future exams.

The UPSC “initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future examinations/ selections, in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Services Examination-2022,” the statement read.

What UPSC alleged against Puja Khedkar?

In the statement, the UPSC said it conducted a thorough investigation into the "misdemeanour of Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar".

The probe revealed that "she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father's and mother's name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address," the Commission said.

Who is Puja Khedkar?

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, secured an All India Rank of 821 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. She has been accused of allegedly misusing her authority.

She came under the ire over her alleged demands such as a separate cabin and staff during her posting in Pune. She allegedly misused the disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) quota to secure a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Khedkar allegedly used a red beacon light on the Audi car and also got 'Maharashtra Government' written on it without permission. Following the controversy, she was transferred from Pune to Washim district before the completion of her training.

UPSC ensures ‘credibility remains uncompromised’

In the wake of the incident, the UPSC clarified that the Commission “stringently adheres to its Constitutional mandate, and conducts all its processes, including all examinations, with the highest possible order of due diligence without any compromise”.

“The UPSC has ensured the sanctity and integrity of all its examination processes with the utmost fairness and strict observance of Rules,” the statement added.

It further stated that the UPSC has “deservedly earned the trust and credibility of a very high order from the public, especially the candidates”.

“The Commission is unequivocally committed to ensure that such high order of trust and credibility remains intact and uncompromised,” it said.